- The concept of tafsir is very important in Islam. What is tafsir and why it is
important? - Abrogation (naskh) is an important concept in Qur’anic studies. Discuss the concept
of abrogation in the Qur’an. - The Qur’an states the differences between men and women in the following verses:
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one
more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means.
Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s)
absence what God would have them guard” (4:34). What is your social assessment of
this Qur’anic statement? Explain. - Although diverse, the Muslim view of marriage is well developed. Generally, all
Muslims are in agreement that a marriage is a contract between a man and a woman.
The Qur’an notes that: “A Muslim man may marry up to four wives, granted that he
treat them equally and provide for each of them” (4:3). Can there be a justifiable basis
for polygyny in society? Discuss. - One of the most distinct features of the Qurʾan is that it repeatedly encourages its
readers to think and reflect. The Qur’an is critical of blind following and invites its
readers to avoid blindly adopting the beliefs society or family impose on them in its
attempt to liberate the mind from prejudices and narrow-mindedness. Thus, the
Qurʾan says: “Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the
alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those
who remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and reflect on the creation of
the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! You have not created this in vain.
Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the fire” (3:190-191). Why it is
important to only adhere to the beliefs and values espoused by the Qur’an and avoid
blindly adopting the beliefs and values of the family or society? Examine. - In Islamic tradition the Qur’an is a divine-to-human communication. In this
communication Allah speaks to humanity through Prophet Muhammad to whom the
Qur’an was revealed. Apparently, the Qur’an was not given to Prophet Muhammad in
the form of a complete book but the revelation came out of a complicated dialogue in
a discursive manner incrementally over a period of 23 years beginning on 22
December 609 CE when Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old and concluding in 632,
the year of his death. Why was the Qur’an revealed in a discursive manner
incrementally over a period of 23 years and not in the form of a complete book?
Explain.
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